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March 30, 2013
Last updated

Thermometer - Custom Copper Still Mod

Owner of Clawhammer Supply

How to install a Thermometer in a Copper Still

One of the most common questions we get asked VIA email and over the phone is,"How is a thermometer added to a copper still and where is the best place to install it?"

Watch this video for a full tutorial, but read on for more info and a critical pro tip.

Measure Liquid Temp and/or Vapor Temp with a Permanent Copper Fitting and 3" Thermometer

The absolute best way to add a thermometer to a copper still is to permanently install a 1/2" copper bung and then screw a stainless steel thermometer with 1/2" NPT threads into that. The copper fitting can be soldered into the boiler of the still or soldered into the column with the column thermometer kit. Apply Teflon tape to threads on thermometer and screw thermometer into copper fitting. Hand tighten and then snug with pliers. Do not over tighten!! 
In addition to a boiler thermometer, you may consider a column thermometer as well. Images and links for each are below:

Top Secret Pro Tip: Use a Stepped Drill Bit For Boiler Wall Hole

After we created and published our thermometer video someone emailed us and mentioned that we should use a stepped bit to make the hole for the thermometer in the still boiler wall. If there is a right tool for this job, the stepped drill bit is it! We managed to get by with our tin snips, but it's not the easiest thing to do and also doesn't produce a very clean opening. Stepped bits are self piloting and they make a super clean hole in the copper. We definitely picked one up from the shop after seeing how awesome they are.

Stainless Steel Still Thermometer Options

For those that have one of our 8 gallon stainless steel stills installing thermometers is a very simple process. A distiller will need our 8 gallon stainless steel thermometer combo kit - simply attach the column thermometer with the provided hardware and screw the boiler thermometer into the provided fitting on the still.

Kyle Brown is the owner of Clawhammer Supply, a small scale distillation and brewing equipment company which he founded in 2009. His passion is teaching people about the many uses of distillation equipment as well as how to make beer at home. When he isn't brewing beer or writing about it, you can find him at his local gym or on the running trail.

  • What thermometer do you recommend?

    Posted by Jonathan Rogers on March 22, 2013
  • Hi my name is Ron:Kyle I read almost every-thing on your web-site,and I want to say what a GREAT JOB you did.The video and audio and info and kits you offer are the best on the web.
    You put a lot of time and effort into all of this that I think you should get a HUGE recognition for your input on this historical subject.
    I can only offer you praise on a well done,(HIGHEST OF HIGH FIVE)(10 out of 10)Website,and a probable order on one of your great still kits.
    Thanks so much,Have you ever shipped one of your kits to a Canadian address?If so could you give me any info on that?
    Look forward to hearing back from you.Ron

    Posted by Ron on March 16, 2013
  • Do your stills come with assembly instructions? I have no Internet access to watch the online videos.

    Posted by Mike on March 12, 2013
  • I read a comment where you said that you can use a thermometer do determine when to stop running your still or when do you know when to stop running…thanks

    Posted by derek mauk on March 11, 2013
  • Kyle , I just ordered a 5 gallon still kit from your company. When I put this toghether would placing a roll of copper mesh inside the still coloum make the still produce more efficiently. I have seen other stills that use this. I look forward to your reply.

    Posted by Mike Freund on March 04, 2013
  • Im currently in the planning phase of constructing a 120gal copper pot still with cap and side arm. My question is what ga copper should be used in fabrication also is TIG welding better than solder or brazing? One last question, what specific joint(s) are to be used when joining the copper together? I truly look forward to your reply

    Posted by Toby J. Prouty on February 26, 2013
  • Stupid question… Evidently a hot plate or a turkey fryer (propane) wont get the bottom of the still hot enough to remelt the solder.?

    Posted by Andy on February 21, 2013
  • your bank statement will say paypal:clawhammer supply thats all shows up in plain brown box

    Posted by philbilly on February 19, 2013
  • I’ve read about different types of stills, pot, reflux etc, is yours a reflux or a compound?
    Typically how much shine does 5 gallons of mash yield?

    Posted by brian duff on February 18, 2013
  • I’ve got the 10 gallon Cooper still from y’all & was wondering where is the best place to put the thermometer? Also we have been told by someone that I needed to put marbles in the inch &a half copper pipe, is that true?

    Posted by jeff on February 18, 2013
  • Wanting to know what is honny shine

    Posted by Dane on February 13, 2013
  • Hello how are you doing the reason I am leaving a email is cause I tried to call and u got someone else and he had told me to contact you through a email so Iam I have a cuppl questions about the still I would be great full if you could contact me at 1(260)633-1363 hope to hear from you soon and I am gonna buy tho

    Posted by Dane on February 13, 2013
  • What do you recommend for a burner, I would like to use electric on a 10 gal pot

    Posted by Steve on February 10, 2013
  • How discreet is shipping on a 10 gal kit and what will show up on my bank statement?

    Posted by Jordan on February 09, 2013
  • Kyle Brown
    Recieved your kit last tues.Jan 29,put it all together today ,approx 3 hrs,Feb5th. Nice little gallon kit,Did it with ordinarry stuff I had around except lead free things,nothing to it .
    THANK YOU
    Steve Best
    Ithaca ny

    Posted by Stephen Best on February 05, 2013


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